On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Sony Electronics presented the FX5, a new full-frame model that is part of the renowned Cinema Line series. The camera comes to market with a newly developed, fully stacked CMOS image sensor, promising to elevate sensitivity performance and dynamic range for filmmakers and content creators. For the first time in the FX lineup, the device offers Open Gate recording and support for the proprietary X-OCN RAW format directly in the camera, optimizing workflows and enhancing visual quality.
Technological innovations drive Sony’s Cinema line
Equipped with the full-frame Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR2™ high-speed image processing engine, which includes a dedicated artificial intelligence unit, the FX5 stands out in the film production landscape. In S-Log3, the camera can capture more than 15 stops of dynamic range, ensuring exceptional ability to handle high-contrast scenes while preserving details in both light and dark areas, which is crucial for color grading in post-production.
- Three base ISO settings (800, 4000 and 12800) provide flexibility to optimize image capture with low noise in a wide range of lighting conditions.
- The Dual Gain Shooting function, a first for the FX series, which enhances image gradation and latitude, while reducing noise and preserving detail in shadows, delivering smoother, richer results.
- Support for full pixel reading in 3:2, known as Open Gate recording, offering greater freedom in choosing the final format and framing in post-production, in addition to 17:9, 16:9 and Super 35mm modes.
- Internal recording in X-OCN, Sony’s 16-bit linear scene RAW format, eliminating the need for external recorders. The new X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 codecs were developed to further reduce file sizes, speeding up data transfer and streamlining the entire post-production process.
Precise focus with artificial intelligence and advanced stabilization
The FX5 incorporates a high-precision autofocus system that uses artificial intelligence-based human pose estimation. This technology enables recognition of the subject’s eyes, head and body, maintaining effective autofocus and real-time tracking, even in challenging, low-light environments.
- Body-integrated 5-axis optical image stabilization anchors the image and improves roll correction, doubling the range of correction compared to previous models like the FX3.
- Active and Active Dynamic modes, designed specifically to maintain the fluidity of handheld footage, providing more versatility for intense and dynamic movements, without compromising image clarity.
Enhanced automatic white balance (ATW), which combines data from visible and infrared light sensors with deep learning, ensures more natural, stable colors by accurately adapting to indoor environments, shadows and other complex lighting conditions.
Compact design and optimized operability for creators
Designed for dynamic productions, the FX5 features a compact and lightweight body, with a design that favors mobility and ease of use in the field. The rigid structure has screw holes at several points, allowing direct attachment of accessories, which eliminates the need for additional cages and speeds up rig assembly. For long recording sessions, the camera includes a high-efficiency fan system and optimized heat dissipation, ensuring continuous stability and reliability.
A 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor with approximately 2.76 million dots and a 16:9 aspect ratio provides a wide view and is mounted on a 4-axis multi-angle arm. Its flexibility allows tilting up to 98 degrees up, 40 degrees down and opening 180 degrees to the sides, facilitating monitoring at different angles. Recording information is displayed on the edges of the screen so as not to overlap the main image, while the “BIG6” home screen, inherited from CineAlta cameras, centralizes essential settings such as frame rate, exposure and LUTs, allowing creators to focus on the scene.
Feature Expansion: Accessories and Future Updates
- DVF-EL1 OLED Display:A detachable 0.58-inch display with approximately 7.07 million dots, OLED panel and HDR support, delivering accurate colors and fine details in high-contrast scenes.
- XLR Handle Unit XLR-H2:It has two XLR/TRS combo inputs and supports up to 4 channels of audio, with dual AD converters that digitize microphone signals with high precision and record internally at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float.
- VMC-BNCU1 Time Code Adapter Cable:Allows timecode transmission from external devices to the camera, essential for synchronizing multiple cameras and audio equipment in more complex productions.
A firmware update planned for 2027 (version 2.0) promises to add even more functionality, such as high-resolution, high-frame-rate recording (up to 240 fps in X-OCN), XAVC SI recording in 3:2 (Open Gate), an interface optimized for vertical recording, and a frame capture function.
Advances in FX5 sustainability and accessibility
Sony was also dedicated to integrating accessibility and sustainability features into the development of the FX5. To aid visual recognition and operation, the camera includes a screen reader that narrates menus aloud and an expanded menu display option, making it more inclusive for diverse users.
In the environmental aspect, Sony used recycled plastic in approximately 30% of the camera’s parts, reducing the production impact. The factories in Thailand and China, responsible for manufacturing the FX5, operate with 100% renewable energy. Product packaging uses non-woven fabric derived from plants, reducing the amount of plastic in the packaging process.
The impact of FX5 on film production
The arrival of the FX5 reinforces Sony’s commitment to offering tools that balance cutting-edge cinematic quality with the flexibility and agility required by modern productions. Yang Cheng, vice president of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics Inc., highlighted that the camera improves on the FX3 by incorporating advanced VENICE 2 features such as internal RAW recording and Open Gate. “Features like these have been highly requested and will allow creators more creative freedom with an easier workflow,” said Cheng.
Claudio Miranda, renowned director of photography for films such as “Top Gun: Maverick”, praised the combination of “high quality image expression and mobility in a compact body”, noting that the camera allows for use in a wide variety of shooting environments. Gareth Edwards, director of “The Creator” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, who used the FX5 on a project that spanned Cambodia, Thailand and Nepal, said that the camera takes independent film production to a new level, being ideal for fast and dynamic filming that demands excellence.
Price and availability of the new model
The ILME-FX5 model, which includes the XLR handle unit for professional audio, will be available starting in mid-August with a suggested retail price of $5,499.99. The ILME-FX5B version, consisting of just the camera body, will have a suggested retail price of US$4,899.99. Sony reinforces that the FX5 is a high-performance solution for filmmakers who seek innovation and practicality in their productions.
